"Not now, Dad, the opening acts are starting!" I complained as I gestured to our family's Neovision+ Home Screen, right in time for this year's Altador Cup logo -- AC XX, orbiting the Neopian globe -- to appear thereon. Dad came and sat beside me on the couch of our Jelly NeoHome.

The AC was my favourite event in all Neopia. Following the pre-show announcements by Tobias and Hovri, the teams started to walk across the Stadium.

There came the podium placers from last year. Maraqua. Lost Desert. Krawk Island. And then the others; even Lutari Island and Dacardia, who had joined a few years ago. Lutari Island was an especially strong team and had just narrowly lost a podium spot last year. Bringing up the rear (as usual) was Faerieland.

All the teams in Neopia. All except my homeland of Jelly World. Yes, there were those infamous Chias, but they never seemed to participate outside of the actual practice rounds. And it seemed most Neopians didn't even believe them -- or my world -- to exist. One day, I wanted to do what that nutter Nick Neopia could only dream of. I wanted to change the hearts and minds of Neopians and show them that Jelly World was here and ready for action.

Being on AC Team Jelly World has been my biggest dream since I was young. Younger than I am now.

"You know, Dad," I started, "one day I'm going to lead the Jelly World AC team. Not just some practice team. But the ACTUAL Jelly World team." After all, I had practiced Yooyuball recreationally for years. And I was just old enough to play professionally now. If I wanted. And I wanted to. The real question was, if I could. If the Altador Cup committee would let me. Let Jelly World.

We watched together in mesmerized silence until the opening ceremonies concluded. Signups had begun, and the matches would start in about two weeks. The commentators returned to the screen; much as I wanted to listen to their predictions for this year, Dad interrupted.

"Mx. Marmelade Flanigan," the Kougra began. "Turn it off."

With a small sigh, I turned off the TV. When he used my full name, I knew it was important. And I owed him some attention -- he was all the family I had in this crazy, mixed-up, jellied world.

I turned and looked back at him, and he was... smiling at me.

"Did you know, long ago, Jelly World used to have a team? An actual team?"

I just stared at him like he was crazy. "Er... no?" I replied warily.

He then walked over to the special chest in the living room and pulled out a small photo album, buried behind the albums of my baby pictures. (Yes, even I admit I was cute as a teeny Jelly Kacheek, though I've tried to shed that "cute" label in recent years.) He brought the album over and opened it.

My eyes went wide.

Inside were professional photographs my Dad. Playing... Yooyuball. In the Altador Colosseum. "I... huh!?" I inched my big head in closer, and gingerly turned another page, as though this were some fragile illusion I risked breaking by being too confused, excited, and... hopeful.

"I was a member of the original Jelly World team," he said, almost dismissively, like this was no big deal. "We were around for just two years -- before the Altador Cup Committee decided that allowing Jelly World would cause too much of a stir, and they banned us from the games." He looked into my eyes and smiled. "I know how much you love the beautiful game -- and, really, it's in your gelatinous flesh and syrupy blood. I never pushed you toward it because I didn't want you to feel like I was projecting something on you... but I can tell you found your love for Yooyuball on your own."

Though I was speechless, my mind raced faster than a Fire Yooyu. "So... you support me going to Altador and... playing for Jelly World? Like... This year?"

"Aye, this year," he replied with a lopsided grin. "Why not? Yes, it might sound like tough work to get prepared and all, especially in only 2 weeks, but I know from experience that even the star Yooyuball players don't do a lot of off-season practice. Too busy partying and basking in the attention of fans." He chuckled.

I just stared at him like he was crazy. I loved him, but... He couldn't be real with this, right? Right?

No... he looked at me seriously... and a sprig of determination started to grow within me. Nothing could be harder than coming out as non-binary to my dad, but he supported me then and I'm sure he would support this now. I could do this. Couldn't I?

"You'll need to find a team, first," he finished with a slight but growing smile. "Though, I have every ounce of faith that you'll bring the Cup home for Jelly World -- that you'll show Neopia that we exist, and we're ready to play ball..."

I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly. He wobbled slightly from the impact but returned the hug just as enthusiastically.

"We'll bring the Cup home, Dad. I already know my first pick for the team - and you'll coach us, right? Just like how you taught me when I was younger."

"Of course. Now go out there and bring me a team...Mx. Marmelade Flanigan."

He was being serious again, but this was the good kind of serious. Not the kind of serious when Mrs. Wobbleston next door would tell him I trampled upon her jelly rose garden again.

The predictions for this year's Altador Cup could wait, I thought as I ran out the door, my feet bouncing lightly on the jelly ground. This time, I didn't run into Mrs. Wobbleston's jelly rose garden, but I took off down the block.

I already knew what would happen this year.

Jelly World would make a comeback and bring home the Cup.

* * *

Maxyn Gell shared my love for Yooyuball. In fact, more often than not I practiced with him whenever I had the time. The Jelly Skeith was strong, fearless, and most of all, loyal. He had my back when I came out as non-binary to Dad, and I returned the favour when he told me about his plan to transition.

Maxyn had been concerned about how his family would take it, but thankfully they were just as accepting as my dad - their only caveat was that they didn't want Maxyn to use the Lab Ray to change his gender. Instead, they all pitched in so he could buy and use a Strange Potion.

However, he had gotten busier as of late. It had been a while since our last backyard Yooyuball session. Maxyn had been calling them off, saying he had things to take care of. Not only that, he would be away from home for long stretches of time.

Hopefully today, he would have some time to hear me out. Team Jelly World would absolutely crush the competition with him on our side. I was already pondering what position he would play when I finally arrived at his doorstep.

As fate would have it, the door opened before I could knock - or simply call for Maxyn. Jelly doors did not lend themselves well to knocking, after all.

"M-Mel?"

"Maxyn!" I cried. I grabbed his hands. "Maxyn, you know how Jelly World hasn't played in the Altador Cup for a while?"

"Huh?" The Skeith blinked, his brow furrowing. "Of course I know that. Why?"

I kept going. I was so excited, I barely left any openings for Maxyn to say anything.

"First, I found out that my dad was part of the original Jelly World team! Isn't that so cool? And when I told him I wanted to play for Jelly World, he was all for it! He said I should form a team - I know we only have two weeks, but I can do it! We can do it! We're both old enough to go pro now, right? I guess...I just wanted to say, Maxyn, will you join Team Jelly World with me? You're a great player, we can bring the Cup home for the first time, we'll get the Altador Cup Committee to let us back in - "

"Mel, wait! W-wait." Maxyn slowly pried his hands away from mine, holding them up like a referee. His frown deepened. "You...you want us to start the new Jelly World Yooyuball team?"

"Yes!" I answered, nodding vigorously. I could have sworn I could hear myself wobble.

"You want me...to be a part of it?"

"Of course!"

Maxyn winced and looked away. "Mel...I..."

"Hey, I know you can do it," I said, clapping him on the back. But Maxyn stepped away from me, shaking his head.

"Mel, I can't..."

We settled into our usual spots in the living room, and I waited patiently as Maxyn steadied himself with a deep breath. Then he said, “I’ve been banned from playing Yooyuball at the recreation fields so I’m sure I’ll be barred from joining the Jelly World team for the Altador Cup.”

“What!” I exclaimed. “Why on Neopia would you be banned?”

“Because of my transition,” he responded. And when I gave him an incredulous look, he continued, “The other Neopets we sometimes play with at the recreation field, they claim my transition gives me an unfair advantage. They’re saying that I’ve been taking performing enhancing substances since males are always seen as being stronger and inherently better at sports.”

I felt my face growing hot in anger the longer Maxyn spoke. I couldn’t even respond at first, but managed to splutter out, “That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Besides, the Altador Cup has always been mixed genders. Gender doesn’t matter in a game of Yooyuball.”

“That’s why I’ve been avoiding playing with you,” Maxyn said. “And honestly my mental health has taken a plummet. Now that I can’t feel confident playing Yooyuball, I feel like I lost a big part of what makes me who I am. I just don’t want to deal with the other’s hostility and snide comments.”

“I’m sorry they made you feel that way,” I said, wrapping my arm around my friend. “They’re just trying to exclude you based on their own ideas of what a Yooyuball player should be.”

I jumped up, unable to control my frustration, and I began to pace around the room, speaking my thoughts out loud.

“Yooyuball is about fostering friendship and camaraderie and bringing all the different worlds together to share a fun sport in a safe space.”

Maxyn smirked. “You always used to say Yooyuball is about winning.”

“Well, yes, some of that too. It’s a competition. But we have to show first and foremost that Yooyuball is supposed to be a way to unite Neopets of all different backgrounds, and species, and genders. We can’t let others define the spirit of Yooyuball or who can and can’t play.”

I sat back next to my friend. “I have an idea…”

“I don’t know, Mel...There are only two more weeks ‘til the Cup starts. Even if we made a rainbowrific team, what good would it be if we went all the way to Altador and got embarrassed?” Maxyn frowned. Although he had once been an agile Yooyuballer, he now felt like nothing more than a gigantic, slouching blob of leftover grape jelly.

“With my dad as our coach, how can we lose?” I grabbed his jiggly arm and tried to pull him from the couch. “Argh!...You know, you would make a fantastic defender!” I teased.

The Skeith rolled his eyes. “I’ve always been a fantastic defender,” he said with a sigh, squishing his arm out from my grip and slumping even further into the couch cushions. “But I’m not really into Yooyuball anymore. Sorry.”

It was painful to see my best friend acting this way. “Ha! Not into Yooyuball? Dude, you used to play Yooyuball every day and probably even every night, too, in your dreams!” I playfully kicked his shin like we’d sometimes do at practice. “Listen, I know it’s hard. Bullies suck. I may not have drank a Strange Potion, but I know what you’re going through!”

Despite my antics, Maxyn's gaze turned cold. “Mel...don’t take this the wrong way, but do you really know what I’m going through? No one except me and your dad knows you’re enby. The other Neopets just think you’re a weird kid who dresses funny. It’s...It’s not like they’re mocking your entire existence!” He turned his face away. I think he was trying not to let me see him cry.

“Maxyn, I’m sorry,” I stammered. “Listen, I know I may be crazy for thinking Jelly World will have its moment in the spotlight. But even if we can’t make it to the Altador Cup, doesn’t mean you should stop doing the things you love! I’ll prove it! I’m gonna go down to the rec field, come out, and find who our allies are. We WILL have a Yooyuball team! It’s up to you to decide if you want to join us...”

It took two days to get everybody in town together. Two days to let the word of a big announcement spread. Those two days were nerve-wracking for Maxyn and I. Maxyn was kind enough to stay at my house during the time. As frustrated and upset I made him, he was kind enough to be there for me in the interim. Kind, strong, and loyal. No wonder he was my best friend.

During those two days of waiting, he and I gathered our team.

Starberry Pectin and Honeydew Sweets. Daughters of two of the most wealthy families in Jelly World. Their families were very strict and traditional, though neither of the two shared those views. In fact, the families hated them hanging out together. Star-crossed lovers, I heard the two describe themselves. As much as their family tried to keep them apart, they always found a way to spend time together.

Their sheer determination made them both perfect to my team alone. Not to mention Starberry was as quick as can be, her reflexes stronger and faster than any Noil or Taigir. Honeydew was the smartest Neopet I know, able to think on her feet and change plans at a moment's notice. The two made an amazing pair and worked together so perfectly.

To round out Starberry, Honeydew, Maxyn, and I, we had Ashton Kollage. A friendly face who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He was a couple years older than Maxyn and I, but we had similar friend groups, as many queerfolk do. He was at an age where his parents were beginning to ask if he was seeing anybody. Ashton always found those questions annoying at best, preferring to remain on his own in that sense.

A truly rainbowriffic team.

Though Starberry, Honeydew, and Ashton were quick to notice how I was hiding something.

"Mel, why are you so nervous?" Ashton asked me as we all walked to rec centre.

"I, well-" I choked out, "I'm just worried about if I- we have support."

Maxyn looked down at me and raised an eyebrow. "You haven't told them?"

"Maxyn, I'm working on that!"

Starberry tilted her head. "What's the matter, Mela-"

"MEL, Mel, just Mel."

Starberry took a step back out of surprise. "Hey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

"Yeah, we care about you," Honeydew added. "We're a team. What's wrong? It could help if you let it off your chest."

"Okay, yeah, you're right, you're probably right." I dragged my paws down my face. "By Fyora's crown, this is hard to do. Why didn't I just go to you all before and say this?"

My heart began to pound. I could feel my face getting hot, almost feeling as if it were melting. It was the same feeling I had when I properly told my dad, only three times worse; one for every new Neopet here. Before I knew it, I felt the words spilling from my mouth.

"This isn't just us announcing our way to the Altador Cup. This may or may not be my way of coming out to everybody. I just felt so awkward about mentioning it to all of you because you're all out and I'm not. Before you ask, yes I want to do this, I made a promise to Maxyn and myself and I want to do this, but it's scary. Also, I go by Marmelade now, if you could use that now instead of my old name that'd be great. Mel is still good, though."

I took a deep breath in, not realizing I barely breathed during my entire spiel. As I was panting, I looked up at my teammates. Maxyn was staring at me with concern, like he was worried I was going to pass out. Starberry, Honeydew, and Aston looked in shock.

"Hey, hey, are you okay?" Starberry asked softly. The Aisha gently took a step towards me and placed an arm around my shoulder.

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "Yeah, I'm fine. I brought this upon myself."

"It's a scary thing coming out to just a few people, let alone an entire crowd," Honeydew said. "Don't beat yourself up about being nervous."

"Mel, what you are doing is incredibly brave," Ashton added. The Poogle let out a kind laugh. "And doing it during the Altador Cup announcement, too."

"And speaking of which, before we go up there," Starberry playfully shoved me. "Pronouns?"

My eyes lit up. "They."

"Well, then, Marmelade," Honeydew said, the Zafara giving a grand gesture towards me. "Shall we make our way to the stage?"

I gave a nod. "Let's go."

With that, we all began walking again. Maxyn elbowed me. I looked up at him, still visibly shaky. He had a kind smile on his face. I smiled back. The moment I smiled back, he lifted me up and put me on his shoulders. I looked down at him in surprise before laughing.

Finally, we made our way to the stage. We were a few minutes late, likely from my near panic attack on the way here. My dad was on the stage, talking about official stuff that I was too nervous to focus on. The crowd seemed engrossed by his talk, getting more and more excited as the speech went on.

"Little buddy, are you ready for this?" Maxyn whispered to me.

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I'm ready."

"And with that," my dad spoke into his mic, turning to all of us, "may I present to you, our new Team Jelly World!"

The crowd erupted into applause. That was our cue. I walked out onto the stage, followed by the rest of the team. My team. I walked up to my dad. He handed me the microphone and kissed my forehead before walking off to the side to watch.

I looked out to the crowd, watching expectantly. I could feel my heart about to leap from my chest. It felt like I was on the field, trying to score, so little time on the clock. Everyone was counting on me.

"Hello, fellow Jellians!" I said a little too loudly into the microphone, causing us all to wince. I cleared my throat and continued, "As I'm sure you all know, Jelly World has not been in the Altador Cup proper for many years. And my friends here and I are here to bring glory back to our home. We have Maxyn and Honeydew, our amazing defenders. Ashton, our goalkeeper. Starberry, our forward. And..."

I took a deep breath. It was now or never. The timer was ticking down.

"And me... Our captain and forward alongside Starberry. And as our captain, I feel it is my duty to tell all of you..."

The goal was in sight.

And I was going to score.

"My name is Marmelade Flannigan. And I am nonbinary..."

“My name is Joy Pearlson and I recently transitioned!” a Jelly Ixi yelled.

“Hi! I’m Regar Rey and I would like to announce that I am coming out!” yelled a Jelly Jetsam.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. What came next really brought tears of joy to my eyes.

“My dear Jelly World!” exclaimed my dad. “As you can see, we have some truly special citizens of this great world. It truly takes courage to come out to you all which is something not a lot of us can relate to. As you know, I have had my fair share of Yooyuball and know the sport fairly well. It takes truly special Neopets to form a team and I am proud to endorse these before you. I am even more proud of my own child for all that they are and all that they are about to accomplish. Now, let’s give it up for Mel!”

There was a thunderous applause, so much so that I completely forgot what I was about to say. I couldn’t believe what I heard. My dad had always supported me but to endorse us as a team and defend us in front of such a large crowd without knowing what their reaction would be and what that would do to my dad’s legacy if they took it the wrong way. This was just what I needed. I gave a smile and nod to my dad and continued.

“I couldn’t agree more,” I began. “This team is made up of several players that are part of an amazing community. Our dream is to go to the Altador Cup, bring back a championship, and show how special anyone can be especially when they feel like they can be their true selves. With this team in front of you, I know we can accomplish all of our goals and represent you all the best way possible!”

I held up my hands and yelled at the top of my lungs, “Now give it up for your new Jelly World Team!”

I motioned to the other players behind me to come in front of me and bow. After all I wouldn’t have been able to do all of this without them.

Suddenly a voice broke out from above the thunderous applause and it shocked us all…

It soon became clear who it was from as a familiar Lupe walked towards the stage. Coach Jakka Groling was our former sports coach at our old school. She has such a passion for Yooyuball, and she taught most of the players around here what we know about the sport. Everything Maxyn and I knew about the game, playstyles, and strategy, we learned from my Dad or from her. She was a stickler for the rules, but hearing her objection to what I thought would be good news for her surprised me.

Maxyn shrunk in his place and stiffened, and I grew worried. I remembered that Maxyn in particular looked up to her, and was inspired by her to stand up for himself. I sometimes heard her influence whenever he stood up for others, and when he offered to stand up for me when I came out to my Dad.

Yet now he was edging behind me. “She was the next to know after you and our families...” Maxyn whispered. His shaking tone told me enough.

My Dad responded first. “Jakka, we have the funds and the means to go to Altador, and my offspring has worked hard to bring this talented team together. There should be no issues.”

“That’s all well and good, but you’re forgetting the regulations,” Coach Groling argued as she walked up to the stage, with the occasional glance towards the audience. “It’s all well to dream, but not when you forget reality. Which is that Altador Cup has banned Jelly World from the Cup. You know that as well as I do, Leon, we were both there.”

I looked to Dad, who nodded at me. “She was our official team coach, and our go-between with the Cup Officials. She worked hard to help us, but she couldn’t prevent us from being evicted from the Games.”

Coach Groling nodded. “The world is still not ready for Jelly World. And you’re thinking of bending the rules further? With this… distraction when we should be focused on Jelly World visibility? They’ll never take us seriously, more so when you have…” she cast a look at Maxyn. “Strange Potions in the mix.”

I felt my anger rise. “Strange Potions are not an enhancer, that’s been tested, and it’s important to have! Other players used Strange Potions, like Antola Maeir from Shenkuu! They never had a problem with him!”

“Grandfathered in after playing for popularity,” Coach Groling handwaved dismissively.

“That’s not why!” I reached back to hold Maxyn’s hand. “He is who he is, and we are who we are. And we’re not going to be quiet about it just because some refuse to understand.”

“The real issue is that we’re banned from the Cup because we’re Jelly. I’ve worked with the old Team and the Committee long before you were walking. We were denied simply because the world doesn’t accept Jelly pets. So why are you going behind our backs to try futilely to get in while adding extraneous issues?” Groling growled.

“We were going to talk to the Committee, and demonstrate our prowess,” my dad pointed out sternly. “Our very presence will help our case, especially with a new audience and likely a new Committee, and a talented team. You should see what they can do; I know they can compete with the other official teams.”

“Besides, we can have pride for both,” Ashton piped in. “We’re not a full team without all of us, just as we are.”

“And we have backing!” Starberry said. “Neopians love jelly, and we can put on the quite the show!”

“I’ve studied the Cup, and I know teams and team members with sponsorships will do a lot better,” added Honeydew, who put an arm around her girlfriend and shot her a smile. “We know some Neopians. I’m confident with our team displays and our connections, we can get those sponsorships. We’ll then have popular support and business support, and they’ll have a harder time turning that away!”

“...And we have nothing to hide.” The voice came from Maxyn this time, who stepped from behind me and stared straight up at Groling. “I have nothing to hide, and I won’t be ashamed for who I am, for all that I am, no matter who says otherwise. As a Jelly Neopian, Yooyuball player, and a trans man!”

The crowd cheered at this. ”Rainbow Jelly! Rainbow Jelly!” Their voices were deafening. Coach Groling was left standing stock still.

“...These are dreams and ideals,” Groling said to us through the crowd’s clamour. “The Cup is less than two weeks away. You don’t have the time to work your way in. You’ll go right up to Altador, only to be turned around for all you are!”

“We’re willing to take the chance, Jakka,” my Dad said firmly. “If you won’t help us, then stand back so I can safely get my team to Altador.”

“Besides, even if they do!” I shouted, quieting the crowd. “Even if they turn us around, I know what to do. We won’t give up. Jelly World deserves notice and respect. And we deserve notice and respect. And we will show Pride for all that we are! So if they turn us away from the Colosseum...”

The Jellians before me screamed in assent.

“Will you storm the Colosseum to prove our right to compete?”

The screaming grew louder. The crowd was buzzing with excitement and support. I was truly disappointed by our coach's attitude and disapproval, but having this much loyalty and encouragement from so many Jelly Neopets made her opinions obsolete.

“I rest my case,” I said to Coach Groling, who shook her head. “Let’s go team.”

We walked off the stage, accepting high fives and fist bumps from the crowd.

Once we were away from the noise, my father and I led our team back to the house to discuss our course of action with the Committee the following morning. We ate a warm meal of Yooyuball pizza and burgers, got a good night’s sleep, and left for Altador in the morning. We were ready for whatever was to come.

***

“Rainbow Jelly?” the secretary Tuskaninny called out to the waiting room.

“That’s us!” My father said, adjusting his bow tie. While we were clad in rainbow jerseys, my father was dressed to the nines. He was wearing a grey suit jacket and slacks with a white button up and a muted rainbow tie. Not only was he seeing old friends and colleagues today, but he meant business. I was never more proud to be his kid than in this moment.

“Ah, Leon! Long time, no see. How’ve you been, old friend?” asked a familiar Red Grarrl. It was Hovri Sweet, the famed Yooyuball commentator.

“Hovri! I’m doing well. It’s been ages since I’ve visited Altador. Brings back memories, for sure,” my dad said, looking around the room at the old stone architecture and round table. “How have you been?”

“Better now that you’re here,” the Grarrl chuckled. “Let me introduce myself and the rest of the committee to those of you who don’t know us. I’m Hovri Sweet. To my left is Palia Alback, a former professional Yooyuball player from the Faerieland team, and to my right is Mungo Lifler, a former professional Yooyuball player from the Darigan Citadel team.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Palia said with a sweet smile.

“Pleasure,” Mungo nodded with a toothy grin.

The team and I shook hands with the committee and exchanged pleasantries.

“Please sit. What brings you here today?” Hovri inquired.

“As I’m sure you can tell, my team, Rainbow Jelly, is representative of Jelly World. Not only that, our team is exclusively made of LGBTQ members. My child, Mel, is the team captain and I am their coach. We are seeking to break the Jelly World ban in the Yooyuball championship and come fourth as the first all-queer team.”

There was silence in the room and the committee looked amongst themselves with blank faces.

“Leon, I’m fully supportive of the all-queer component of your team and I trust that they are all skilled Yooyuball players under your guidance, but…” Hovri began.

“You know that Jelly World is banned from the cup, sir,” Palia said with a furrowed ban.

“I do know that, Palia, but…” my father began.

“Wait—“ Mungo interrupted. “Palia, that’s an antiquated rule. In recent years, Jelly World has been more visible and accepted by the general public. It was hidden for many years and Jelly Neopets were ostracized. Don’t you think it’s time to change this rule?”

“Hovri, will you get the bylaws?” Palia asked. “What’s written as rule?”

Hovri grabbed a large book bound in rustic, old leather. He flipped through the pages to a section titled, “Yooyuball Team Prohibitions”. The Red Grarrl read in silence so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

I looked at Maxyn who gave me a reassuring smile.

“I found…” Hovri began…

How will this story end?

Palia and Mungo nodded in agreement, their expressions shifting from skepticism to consideration. The weight of our cause was starting to make an impact, slowly eroding the resistance we had faced.

Hovri leaned forward, clasping his hands on the table. "As the committee, we have the power to review and revise these rules. It is within our authority to make amendments that reflect the inclusivity and diversity that Yooyuball should represent."

A flicker of hope surged through me, and I exchanged glances with my teammates. We had come this far, and it seemed like we were about to make history.

Palia spoke up, her voice filled with conviction. "I believe it is time to break down barriers and embrace change. Allowing Rainbow Jelly, an all-queer team representing Jelly World, to participate would be a powerful statement of inclusivity and acceptance."

Mungo nodded in agreement. "The spirit of Yooyuball is about unity, teamwork, and celebrating our differences. By denying Rainbow Jelly the opportunity to compete, we would be contradicting the very values this sport stands for."

A sense of anticipation filled the room as the committee members exchanged glances, their expressions transforming from hesitation to resolution. They were beginning to recognize the importance of our cause.

Finally, Hovri leaned back in his chair and addressed us with a warm smile. "After careful consideration and in the spirit of progress, the committee has reached a unanimous decision. We will lift the ban on Jelly World and grant Rainbow Jelly the opportunity to compete in the Yooyuball championship!"

The room erupted in applause and cheers. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at my father, who beamed with pride. The hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in our cause had paid off.

As the news spread, the Neopian community rallied behind Rainbow Jelly. Messages of support flooded social media, and fans from all over Neopia expressed their excitement for our participation. It wasn't just about winning a championship; it was about breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive world.

The day of our first match arrived, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying. The cheers from the crowd echoed through the air as we stepped onto the field, proudly wearing our rainbow jerseys. We were not only representing our team but also the hopes and dreams of countless Neopians who believed in equality and acceptance.

The match was intense, but our team's spirit and unity carried us forward. We played with passion, skill, and determination, showcasing the true essence of Yooyuball. Every goal we scored was met with thunderous applause, and the crowd waved banners in support of Rainbow Jelly.

In the end, we didn't just come in fourth place; we made history. Rainbow Jelly's journey inspired a new era of acceptance in Neopia, and the Yooyuball championship became a symbol of unity and diversity.

As we stood on the podium, our medals glistening in the sunlight, I looked out at the sea of smiling faces. Coach Groling, who had once disapproved, stood proudly beside us. The triumph was not just ours—it belonged to every Neopian who had ever felt marginalized, every Jelly Neopet who had longed for recognition, and every individual who believed in the power of love and inclusivity.

From that day forward, Rainbow Jelly continued to participate in the Yooyuball championship, spreading joy, hope, and rainbow-coloured gelatinous glory throughout Neopia. And every time we stepped onto the field, we were reminded that together, we could overcome any obstacle and create a brighter, more accepting future for all.

The End.